Michael Lombardi and fired Joe Banner were at odds before and during the team's coaching search that eventually led to the hiring of Mike Pettine. The two clashed so much in fact, that owner Jimmy Haslam got rid of them both, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

According to the Plain Dealer sources, by the time Pettine was hired, Banner "wanted to fire" Lombardi.

Banner, sources said, had rude encounters with coaching candidates Ken Whisenhunt and Greg Schiano. Haslam also discovered during the process that then-Penn State coach Bill O'Brien didn't want the job "because of either Banner, Lombardi or both." O'Brien is now the Texans' coach.

Josh McDaniels appeared to be the leading candidate for the position, but the Patriots' offensive coordinator withdrew his name from consideration. He was Haslam's first choice, but Banner held "reservations" about him.

Now, Lombardi and McDaniels may soon be working together in New England.

NFL.com reports that Lombardi and the Patriots have been in discussions and Cleveland radio station 92.3 The Fan reported that the two sides are nearing an agreement. The specifics about what Lombardi's job would be aren't clear at this point. However, Lombardi does have a history with Patriots' coach Bill Belichick.

Belichick and Lombardi worked together with the Browns from 1991-1995. Lombardi, who has previously worked as an NFL analyst, was hired by the Browns as GM before last season.
According to NFL.com, because of Lombardi's contract with the Browns, he likely will not get any extra compensation for whatever job he holds with the Pats. The Browns still have to pay him.

And back in Cleveland, new coach Pettine won't be working for the men who hired him in the first place.